HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT RATU WILIAME KATONIVERE ADDRESS AT THE 14TH FIJI NATIONAL SCOUT JAMBOREE

Turaga Bale na Ka Levu na Tui Nadroga kei na Vanua o Nakuruvarua,
The President of the Fiji Scouts Association, Mr. Abhay Nand,
The Chief Commissioner Fiji Scouts and Leaders,
The Chief Commissioner of the Fiji Girl Guides Association,
Heads of Government Departments Nadroga/Navosa,
Turaga Roko Tui Nadroga Navosa
School Heads and teachers,
Invited guests, Parents, Scout Leaders and fellow Scouts.
 
Cola Vina as they say here and I welcome you all to this 14th Fiji National Scout Jamboree here at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka. I note that the 13th National Jamboree was held in Vunimoli, Labasa in August 2018 and that the 14th National Jamboree was supposed to be held in August 2022. However, this was not possible due to the covid pandemic and the lockdowns with the past two years being recovery periods globally. I must say that I am impressed with the hard-working organizing committee of the Nadroga district that have tirelessly worked on preparations to have this jamboree eventuate. With that said, I am certain that you were all looking forward to this event and will enjoy yourselves meeting together as friends and peers after quite some time and it will be an exciting week of learning and fun.
 
I am very pleased to note that over 2,200 scouts, leaders and volunteers are attending these four days of activities. I urge you all to make the most of the hospitality offered here in the Province of Nadroga, the salad bowl of Fiji, and fully explore and discover your inner creativity in the programs they have prepared for you. I have been informed that you will be hiking up the sand dunes, visit the Kula eco park and try your hands at making pottery at Nayawa village apart from the commando course organized by the Republic of Fiji Military forces. You will experience the displays by the Fire Authority and the canine team of the Fiji Police Force which will all be an unforgettable experience indeed. Enjoy yourselves, learn as much as you can and have fun in this safe space.
 
I remind you all that Scout Jamborees are organized to strengthen friendship and provide an opportunity for you to showcase your scouting skills of cooking, cleaning, knotting, hiking and many others. The program also indicates the campfire program where you will display your talents. This week, you will be camping with scouts all over Fiji, from Taveuni to Lau, from Kadavu to Yasawa, from Vanualevu and Vitilevu. During your free time try to make friends and learn from each other. This opportunity will not come again as the next Jamboree will be in 2028. So make the most of it!
 
The Fiji Scout Association is in its 110th year of existence since it began in a small way in 1914. We are proud that with over 13,000 members to date, we are the largest youth group in our country. I acknowledge the efforts of scout leaders who are mostly teachers for your continuous leadership and mentoring to our youths. This is a big sacrifice but as scouts, it is a service we promised to work towards so that our youths grow to become good citizens in future. I also acknowledge our sisters in the Girl Guide movement. They celebrated their centennial existence in Levuka earlier this month and I strongly believe that together, the two youth organisations can and will make a difference in the lives of young people in Fiji.
 
Scouting and Guiding are movements that aim to support young people in their mental, physical and spiritual development, moulding them to play constructive roles in society. Scouting is based on its Promise and Law. It guides the youth to learn new skills and habits of continual learning, build confidence and self-esteem, and have fun and adventure in the outdoors. It is a form of recreation that fosters personal and social growth, aligning with our Scout constitution that aims to contribute to the development of young people to achieve their full physical, intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional potential as individuals, and to be responsible citizens. Our government recognises the importance of these roles and has allocated $98,000 in its current budget to support the various scout initiatives that will contribute to nation building including this Jamboree. We equally acknowledge the Ministry of Youth and Sports that has also supported this event with a $10,000 grant.

We need to continue our efforts to bring about positive scouting values into the lives of the boys and girls who need help. Besides contributing to solve social problems in our locality like drugs, glue sniffing and crime, we shall be doing our traditional ‘Good Turn’ by sharing the benefits we derive from Scouting. I encourage all scouts in Fiji to join me in efforts to ensure that gender equality is upheld in all our programs and that we reach out to vulnerable people including our older generation. Let us act on controlling climate change by creating awareness in our communities, continue to clean up our beaches, plant fruit trees, and avoid burning senselessly.

The World Organisation of the Scout Movement has over 57 million members from 176 countries. I am proud that our humble nation is represented at this world stage as a full member. Through this membership, we benefit greatly from development funding, assistance in times of disaster and sponsorship of our scouts to attend overseas jamborees and conferences. Scouting is about discipline, respect and service. It also includes fun in its programs through campfires, weekend camping, hiking and playing games.
 
I recall that in August last year, the Fiji National Cub camboree was held in Suva with about 800 young scouts and leaders camping at Veiuto. I had a busy schedule then and could not attend. I have been advised that it was a wonderful occasion for our young boys and girls, experiencing life away from home and taking part in the activities. Now it is your turn, fellow Scouts! As your Chief Scout, I urge you all to make the most of this National event so that when you return to your homes, communities, villages and respective schools you take wonderful memories and tell your friends and families the exciting skills and experiences you had participated in, learned and are willing to share.
 
With those few words, I now have much pleasure in declaring the 14th Fiji National Scout Jamboree open.
 
May God bless you all and may God bless Fiji. 
 
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank You.